Tougher re-election race for Sen Roberts in Kansas

Pat Roberts, a senior Republican on the Senate Agriculture Committee, won his third term with 60 percent of the vote but faces a more rugged political landscape this time. Sabato’s Crystal Ball rates the race as “likely Republican,” down a peg from the previous “safe Republican.” Says the Crystal Ball, “Roberts is not exactly as safe as one might think.” Noteworthy – Kansas has not elected a Democrat to the Senate since 1932.

“The primary campaign revealed Roberts to be rather weak himself, particularly because he basically doesn’t even live in Kansas, a modern-day political no-no. Some recent polls, have shown Roberts leading but under 40% against two main opponents: Shawnee County District Attorney Chad Taylor (D) and businessman Greg Orman, an independent former Democrat who can heavily self-fund,” says the Crystal Ball.

KSN/SurveyUSA robo-poll of 560 likely voters in late August says Roberts leads with 37 percent, followed by Taylor with 32 percent, Orman with 20 percent and Libertarian Randall Batson with 4 percent. “Orman siphons votes across the board,” said SurveyUSA. It said Roberts leads in all three regions of the state but does not top 40 percent support.

“Voters say the economy is the most important issue in the Senate race. Among voters who choose the economy as most important, Davis leads 4:3. Among voters who say that Obamacare is most important, and among voters who say that Immigration is most important, Roberts leads 2:1,” said SurveyUSA.

Orman, who describes himself as fiscally responsible and socially tolerant, says he is open to caucusing with Republicans or Democrats, whichever is the majority, if he wins election to the Senate, said the Washington Post.

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